Québec, Quebec (July 6, 2010) – The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, Pierre Corbeil, Quebec Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, and Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL), announced today that they had reached a tripartite framework agreement to improve the administration of income assistance in First Nations communities.
"I am pleased that we have agreed to work together to find solutions to the challenges associated with income assistance for First Nations," said Minister Strahl. "Stimulating economic growth in First Nation communities while supporting participation in the labour market and in community life is the right direction to take."
"This agreement is the result of 13 commitments made by the Government of Quebec, particularly the ministère de l'Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale, during the First Nations Socioeconomic Forum. We are proud to sign this agreement, which will make it possible to continue our efforts to promote solidarity and the social inclusion of Aboriginal people," said Quebec's Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, Pierre Corbeil.
"This agreement is important because it provides a formal process for resolving recurrent irritants encountered by those in charge of income security and social development in our communities. Given the multitude of federal and provincial jurisdictional conflicts that hinder our development, this agreement is certainly very good news," stated AFNQL Chief Ghislain Picard.
The framework agreement lays the groundwork for partnership between the signatories and is very promising for all the parties. The tripartite cooperation spelled out in the agreement makes it possible to explore new approaches to administering and delivering income assistance services in the communities. Implementing such solutions can help First Nations communities improve their socio-professional integration services for income assistance recipients thanks to improved administrative and professional guidance.
The framework agreement formalizes the relationship between the parties through to the creation of a tripartite committee. This committee will be tasked with suggesting solutions to problems related to income assistance administration and provision and taking active measures in Quebec communities.
Minister's Office
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
Press Secretary
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
Office of the Minister Responsible for Aboriginal Affairs and the Minister Responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue Region and the Nord-du-Québec Region
Hélène Sauvageau
Press secretary
418-646-9131
Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador
Éric Cardinal
Communications Advisor
450-638-5159 / cell: 514-258-2315
